Chivas USA and LA Galaxy face off in Barra Clasico

There were some very sore legs around The Home Depot Center this morning, and we’re not talking about the players. The team actually had the day off Tuesday, after returning from New York last night. But around the hallways and in the front offices you’ll find people walking a bit gingerly, testing tired legs.

Chivas USA and the Los Angeles Galaxy continued a fun tradition Monday night, kicking off SuperClasico week with an exhibition between team supporter groups known as the Barra Clasico. This year the front office staffs also played each other for the first time, in a friendly game preceding the Clasico.

It was a cold evening, but that didn’t stop plenty of fans of both teams from coming out to cheer on their ticket reps, PR departments, and other front office staff. The Galaxy front office ended up winning 6-2 in the casual pickup-style game, but it was a fun night for all, and the tradition looks likely to continue. Members of the Chivas USA staff could already be heard discussing plans for revenge in a rematch around October’s SuperClasico.

Midfielder Paulo Nagamura was present at both games, standing behind the Chivas bench, mingling with fans, and supporting the Ultras and Chivas staff. After the first game ended, Nagamura joked that he was planning to poke his head into the Galaxy front office later this week, “to make sure all those guys actually work there.”

The second game was played under a full moon and field lights, kicking off around 8:00pm. It was an intense match between Chivas USA’s Union Ultras and Los Angeles Galaxy’s Angel City Brigade (ACB). The supporter’s groups have been playing friendly matches for the last couple years, with the Ultras winning all four of the previous matchups. The Ultras continued their streak on Monday, beating the ACB 2-1, and hopefully setting a tone the Chivas USA squad will continue this weekend.